ANKARA - Stating that there is an absolute isolation in prisons, "On the one hand they talk about peace, on the other hand they increase the pressure in prisons," said Prisoner Bager Sayak.

 

While discussions on the solution of the Kurdish issue continue, repression and violations of the right to life in society and prisons are almost at their peak. Bager Sayak, who is being held in Ankara Sincan High Security Prison No. 1, talked about what is happening in prison in a phone call with his family.

 

Stating that arbitrary disciplinary investigations are systematically opened against them, Sayak said, "The pressure and violations are too much. None of our demands are met. We have no social activities. We are under severe isolation. On the one hand they talk about peace, on the other hand they increase the pressure in prisons. An iron was put on our window. It is like they put us in a cage. We are held in the cell for almost 24 hours. There is an absolute isolation."

 

Sayak called for sensitivity by saying "We are resisting against this persecution".

 

WHO IS BAGER SAYAK?

 

Bager Sayak (33), who was arrested in Erzurum on 20 July 2010 on the allegation of "leaving a bomb in front of the AKP provincial office", was only 17 years old at the time. On 2 November 2011, Sayak appeared before the judge at Erzurum Special Authorised 4th High Criminal Court and asked to make his defence in Kurdish, but his request was rejected. The court sentenced Sayak to aggravated life imprisonment.

 

The verdict was sent to the Court of Cassation for appeal. However, the 9th Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation rejected the appeal on 9 March 2012 and upheld the sentence given to Sayak.